Standard:
IV inf. The route is rather complex, and
much of the climbing is not above grade
III. The Gate of Mists may be IV. An ice
axe and crampons are recommended. Through
out the climb care must be taken to avoid
dislodging loose stones.

Time:
Allow 6-7 hours for the ascent of Nelion
and a further 3 hours for reaching Batian
and returning to
Nelion. It is advisable to spend a night
to the Howell Hut on the summit of Nelion.

From Austrian Hut, cross the Lewis Glacier
and scramble up the scree, which has many
precariously balanced boulders and can
be dangerous in half-light. Starts climbing
up a wide groove about 55 m. left of the
obvious Brocherel Couliour. 18 m. of easy
climbing brings one to a wide, boulder-strewn
terrace, at the left of which of which
is a gully (Donkey Walk) leading up to
the left. Scramble up the gully for 25
m, then a mounting traverse back to the
right up a series of easy ledges on the
face. A move round a corner (III) leads
to the foot of Mackinders Chimney.
Instead of climbing the chimney, descend
2½m and traverse right 6 m to a
platform below the Rabbit Hole, then climb
a rib immediately right of the Rabbit
Hole (III) and follow easy rocks to platform
at the top of Mackinders Chimney.
One Oclock Gully (quite easy, unless
ice- filled) now leads up right for 40.
Where it steepens, mount the left wall
then traverse back, right to reach block
steps leading up to the crest of the main
ridge. When it appears obvious, make a
long traverse right across slabs then
up towards the base of Mackinders
Gendarme. A tin shelter (Billies
Bivi) is found just below the notch beneath
Mackinders Gendarme on the main
ridge. This is approximately halfway up
Nelion. Turn the Gendarme on the left
by first descending 7 to 10 m and the
up a large gully. Most parties will follow
the Graffs Variation, which is the
easiest and most direct rout (iv inf.).
Avoid Shiptons and Rickety Cracks
by a traverse left for some 12 m out of
a large gully, following the ascent of
the square-cut groove for about 20 m,
and then straightforward climbing to the
ridge leading to the Amphitheatre.
Alternatively, instead of traversing 12
m out of the large gully, continue up
the gully to two short chimneys known
as Shiptons Cracks (IV inf.), which
leads to a small platform (Windy Gap),
between the Gendarme and the main face.
In recent years many parties have found
the traverse of the Gendarme the easiest
way of reaching Windy Gap. From Windy
Gap climb 2 m over a bulge on the face
to reach a ledge; follow this until it
peters out on the main face. From here
Rickety Crack (IV inf.) leads upwards
for about 8 m to a platform. (A jammed
nose of rock 2m above the bottom of the
crack can be used for protection on the
first awkward exposed moves on the crack)
climb 30 m up a ridge to the right leading
to appoint overlooking the Amphitheatre.
Belay at the edge of the Amphitheatre
and climb down 8 m to the right (III).
Work round the back wall of the Amphitheatre
to cracks leading up left into the bee
of the gully. Ascend the gully, much loose
rock, for two pitches to a platform. A
5m wall is climbed by a shallow (III),
followed by a scramble over loose rock
to a col overlooking the Diamond Coulier.
Turn sharp right and up easy rocks to
the summit of Nelion.

The
summit of Batian is only 140 m away in
a horizontal distance, but a drop of as
many meters is involved into the Gate
of the Mists. The ridge may be followed
from Nelion, traversing down on the north
side, then turning towards the Gate. Keep
under an over hanging cliff and then descend
to a boss of rock just above the Gate.
Climb down this (III or IV), possibly
leaving a rope to facilitate the return,
as there is usually ice in the cracks.
Cross the snow in the Gates (which may
be corniced); as the ice work is less
than a ropes length it is possible
to belay from either side. Traverse below
the base of the Tower, on its north
side, up scree or snow, and over the ridge
behind the Tower onto the South Face of
Batian. Ledges lead left across the face
into a gully. This is then followed to
the summit, but if it is ice filled, take
the wall to the right of the gully and
chimney, taking care because of the loose
rocks. On the descent from Nelion, there
are many convenient places for roping
down, as the number of abandoned slings
indicates.
Abseils undoubtedly saves time, and parties
generally descend De Graffs Variation.
The following description is probably
the best way of descending from Nelions
summit.
After having scrambled down the easy rocks
from the col overlooking the Diamond Glacier,
instead of descending the 5 m shallow
chimney, move right (facing outwards)
to a platform a few meters down slabs.
A block on this platform supports slings
for a short abseil down the face towards
Pt. Lenana. Some 15 m down, a small ledge
has slings round a point of rock. Use
these to make another 15 m abseil in the
direction of Pt. John. This leads to easy
rocks above the slabs leading down to
the top of De Graffs Variation.
One long abseil leads down this pitch
to easy traversing over to Mackinders
Gendarme. One abseil leads down Mackinders
Chimney missing out the Rabbit Hole.

MAJOR VARIAIONS:
Two major variations have been done tom
join the Normal Route at Mackinders
Gendarme.

1 (a) EAST RIDGE: This ridge of Nelion
which rises from Flake Col consists of
very loose shattered rock. Start 50 m
from the left of the col and ascend ramp
to ridge. The first four pitches are on
poor
rock and then fifth and sixth pitches
are the most difficult. Climb the ridge
then abseil into the top of Brocherel
Coulier and traverse to Mackinders
Gendarme.

1(b) BROCHEREL COULIER: This is prominent
Coulier right of the Normal Route start.

2.
THE NORTH FACE - STANDARD ROUTE.

Important: Best climbing season 
July to October
Standard: IV sup.
Time: 10 hours.

This route is the least difficult on north
side of the mountain. Start from Kami
Hut, where a 40minute walk below the foot
of the North Ridge is made to the start
gully, which is marked a cross in a circle
chipped. Climb straight up from the marker
and move at 6 m into the gully (IV inf.)
continue over easier rock until its
possible to scramble for 90 m up the gully
to a steep wall. An obvious crack brings
one onto a large terrace beneath a third
steep wall (III sup.). Climb 6m up an
easy gully on the left, traverse back
into the center, then straight up (III),
and scramble into the Amphitheatre. Scramble
about 120 m across this until it steepens,
in the direction of Firmins Tower,
which is at the top left-hand corner.
Climb 25 m to a wide sloping ledge (III),
then traverse right along the ledge for
20 m (III), until it is possible to gain
the ridge on the let-hand skyline. A 9
m scramble brings one to the foot of Firmins
Tower. Climb the crack for 20 m to where
it breaks into two branches. Chimney up
the right hand one for 15 m to the top
of a massive loose block (overlooking
the Amphitheatre). Move left into the
original chimney and continue up for 9
m. scramble for about 18 m and up to the
top of the Tower (IV sup.). Descend to
the ridge and scramble along it until
it steepens. Continue along the ridge
for another 30 m (IV inf.). Move up to
an obvious ledge then traverse right to
a small amphitheatre (III). Further scrambling
brings one to the junction of the West
Ridge where there is a superb site for
bivouac.

Whilst it is possible to climb along the
ridge it is easier and safer to traverse
horizontally from the bivouac site for
about 120 m to Shiptons Notch. The
rock in this area should be treated with
care. This rout is suitable for descent.

VARIATIONS:

On the crux section of Firmins Tower
its possible to move right from
the loose block along an obvious ledge
to the foot of a step crack which is climbed
direct (Grade v sup.).
The Firmins Tower has been bypassed
to the right with a difficult and exposed
mixed pitch above the Northey Glacier
(v), the main ridge being rejoined just
above the Tower.
Ascent of the Kami Hut face of the North
Ridge of Batian to join the North Face
Standard Route just below the top of the
gully before entering the Amphitheatre.
From the starting point of the North Face
Standard Route, climb the grey rock area
immediately left of the gully for 15 pitches
to the base of Firmins Tower.

CHOGORIA / CHOGORIA 7  DAY CAMPING
HIKE
INTRODUCTION:
THIS IS A SPECIAL TREK, IN THAT IT GIVES
OUR CLIENTS THE REAL FEEL OF THE WILDERNESS.
ITS VERY WELL SUITED FOR THE OLD
AND THE YOUNG.

DAY.1

On
this day, the group (guide/s, portes,
cok/s, & clients) leave Chogoria villages
at 9.00 am and dive up through the rain
forest on the eastern side of the mountain,
to bairunyi camp site alt. (2700), where
they put up camp, eat lunch and a little
rest then taken on a guided tour of the
area, taught about plant and animal life
and their co-existence.
Of great importance, is camping and hiking
ethics.
The group then settles down for super,
after which they exchange views and ideas
of the general scope of camping and hiking,
telling tell tales and retire to bed.

DAY
2:The
group leaves the camp site at 9.00 a.m.
and starts the real trek on a fairly steep
uphill at a slow steady pace, doing a
5km stretch of track that cuts through
beautiful bamboo forest to come to a steep
uphill (KINONDONI), which ends ½
Km below the park gate (Mt. Kenya National
park). The moorland starts here and the
group can view the mountain quite well
on a clear sky.
The group puts up camp around the gate,
eats lunch, and takes a little rest after
which the clients are shown around the
park gate precincts.
Walking to the Northern side of the area,
one can look down on an awfully beautiful
stretch of field with a watering pond,
where game love to water. The group members
get back to super and have a free time
to talk together, share jokes and retire
to bed.

DAY 3:The
group enters the park, goes down a hill,
cutting through grassland (tussock grass)
and turns left leaving the main path and
takes a footpath that comes to a stream.
A variety of game like gazelles, bushbucks,
wild beasts, buffaloes, and leopards
e.t.c can be seen around this area. The
group moves through a small cider forest
with Hagenia Absysinica trees growing
sparsely, to come to a hut (URUMANDI)
Alt. 3000 m. Urumandi is a kimeru name
meaning a place where water passes a natural
bridge. Here the group gets to explore
the depths of the caves and experience
the eerie feel of wilderness trekking.
Caution when exploring the cave is taken
an extremely high priority, such that
no one gets hurt in the caves. After the
adventure, the group takes a short rest
and gets on to eat a light lunch.
The group then moves on a fairly steep
terrain with giant heath featuring as
the main vegetation, with parches of tussock
grass here and there. It then crosses
a small stream, goes up a hill and comes
to the head of upper Nithi Falls. The
group rests for a moment as the guide
highlights on the safety precautions to
be taken when going down to the foot of
the falls. The crawl down and up the falls
takes about 30 minutes. The clients take
pictures, idle and take the cool breezes
and water-splashes emanating from the
falls. The group then scrambles up the
falls, puts on their packs and either
traverses to the Mau-Mau caves or goes
uphill to the road-head (Alt. 330m)
The group takes super, rests and or talks
for a while before getting to sleep.

DAY 4:The
group gets up at 5.30 A.M. before eating
breakfast, the clients are taken to a
vantage position, and facing eastwards,
can watch sunrise. This is an occasion
that we always emphasize on undertaking
since watching sunrise is a memorable
thing to do.
After this, the group eats breakfast,
puts down camp and gets read to leave.
Now that the real ascent starts here,
(3300m) the guide gets to highlight on
the dangers of high altitude hiking, how
to recognize and prevent mountain sicknesses
and general body ailments related to mountain
hiking. The guide also points out on the
mode of walking; a slow, steady pace is
our way of hiking. We also insist that
our client/s drink adequate amounts of
water so as to maintain an appropriate
body fluid balance.
On this day, the group sets out at a moderate
pace, walking as a group. Occasional water
breaks are taken every now and then after
intervals of 30 to 45 min. the group walks
along and over the northern side of the
ridge overlooking the gorges valley.
A strenuous 3 hours trek gets the group
to the view point (alt. 4000m). The group
eats a light lunch, takes some pictures
and takes in the breathtaking beauty of
the main peaks, the gorges valley and
Lake Ellis to the northeast. After a little
rest, the group sets off to tackle a stony,
winding and steep part, which leads to
a flat terrain, to come to a cliff. The
group now moves on a fairly flat ground
with occasional up hills to come to Mintos
hut (alt. 4300 m)
The group puts up camp changes into warm
clothes and eats some biscuits and tea.
The clients can than be taken on a guided
tour of the Hall turns and a walk to the
edge of the temple  a cliff that
overlooks like Michaelson (300m below).
Spectacular views are to be had of the
gorges valley, the lake and the Halls
fields to the west, not to mention the
clearly visible peaks  Lenana, Batian
& Nelion. The clients then get back
to camp and have a free time to either
talk together, play cards or share tales
and jokes with the porters and guide/s.
one can stray around the area, taking
note not to wander far off for safety
reasons. The group eats super at 6.00
p.m. and rests a while or goes to bed.DAY5.The
group gets up at around 5.30 A.M. and
eats breakfast. There are two option for
this day,-

1. Up to Austrian & camp.
2. Up to Austian lenana & back.

Opt.1.
The group leaves Mintos hut at 7.30,
and ends towards the general direction
of the main peaks. Scaling up the lateral
moraine below Simba tam is quite tedious
and we advise our clients to take it slowly
and easily. The group is then guided to
the northern ridge of pt. LENANA and scrambles
to the summit. This trek takes 4to 5 hours.Opt.2.
Alternatively, the group can head towards
THE TOOTH via the Square tam, traverse
below the southern side of point Lenana
to come to Australia hut. The group rests
a while then sets off towards the southwestern
ridge of pt. Lenana, to come to its
summit at around 1.00 pm.
NB: On day 5 walk to pt. Lenana back either
via the tooth or simba Tarn.
Day 6 walk to the Bandar
On a clear day, one can take in the tantalizing
scenes below, with pts. Batian and Nelion
staring at you to the west. Mt Kirimanjaro
s conical Kibo peak can be viewed
towards the south on a clear sky. The
group now walks down easily to the Mintos
hut where it takes lunch and rest to await
dusk, eat super and a good sleep.DAY6.The
group wakes up at6.00 AM. and eat breakfast.
It is then puts down camp and sets off.
The walk down is quite easy through instance
when one pulls a muscle are common.
On getting to the MT Kenya self-service
lodge, the group puts up camp and rest
before eating lunch. One is now free to
move about or take drinks at the canteen,
before eating super and going to sleep.
(2)
The group sets off at 8.00 AM. at a slow
pace .walks northwards and later southwards
to come to the square Tam. (taking occasional
water breaks).
Further hiking brings the group to THE
TOOTH where it rests. The traverse across
the southern side of pt LENANA is moderate.
The group gets to Australia hut, where
it puts up camps and eat lunch. Strilling
around the area is rather risky as one
may fall injuriously, or sink into glaciers
common here. Staying indoors here is advisable
as temperatures can go down below zero.
The group then eats super and rest before
retiring to bed.The groups, (clients,
guide/s and a few porters depending on
their physical fitness can either do the
summit of PT. Lenana by night or day.
By night, they wake up at 4.30 AM. Have
some tea and leave for the summit. This
trek may require somebody twisting when
going over rocks. If timing is good, the
group can get to the summit in the time
to watch sunrise ,which again is a beauty
to behold. By day , the group wakes up
at 6.00 AM. And takes breakfast. It then
leaves, heading for the summit of Pt.
Lenana to get there after one hour.
The clients can then take pictures, look
around and walk down to rejoin the rest
of the group at Mintos hut.
I t hen proceeds down to the MT Kenya
lodge puts up camp, eats lunch and rests.
One however free to have a few drinks
at the canteen, till dusk and cook super.
The group then retires to bed.DAY 7

The
group wakes at 7.00 a.m. and takes breakfast.
The clients then pull down their tent/s
and prepare to board the car/s down to
Chogoria villages, getting there before
1.00 oclock.
The group then bids each other goodbye,
and the client/s leave for other destinations.

ITENERARY
2:CHOGORIA / CHOGORIA 4-DAY TREKDAY 1:
The client/s, guide/s and porters meet
at Chogoria villages and make the necessary
preparations for the trip. They then drive
up to the Mt. Kenya Natonal Parks
gate, getting there at 2.00 p.m. here
they unload their luggage and re-park
them to suit the trek. The group then
sets off for the Chogoria route road-head,
a trek that takes about 2 ½ hours,
getting there at 4.30 p.m. we remind our
clients to carry enough water to last
them the entire trek. On getting to the
Road-head, the group puts up camp and
rest for a while before preparing super.
Alternatively, spending the night in the
Mau-Mau caves provide natural shelter
and warmth the caves provide. Water is
easily got from a stream nearby. The group,
after eating super goes to bed.

DAY
2.

The
group wakes up at 6.00 a.m. and takes
breakfast. Before leaving, the guide points
out to the group the various precautions
to be taken while on the trek.
These include:

The
group then sets off at 8.00 a.m. slowly
but steadily doing the uphill taking occasional
water breaks as advised by the guide.
The group hikes along and over the northern
ridge overlooking the gorges valley. A
two-hour trek brings the group to the
viewpoint (alt. 4000m), where the members
take a little rest, eat light lunch and
take pictures. The group then sets off
to tackle a rather steep, winding and
rocky part that brings the group to flat
stretch that ends at a cliff. Going over
the cliff requires quite some muscles
strength.
The group then does an easy flat stretch,
with a couple of little hills to come
to Mintos hut (alt. 4300m)
Here the group puts up camp, changes into
warm clothes and eats lunch.
If the weather allows, the clients can
be taken on a guided tour of the area
and to the temple, a vertical cliff that
overlooks Lake Michaelson,300m below.
Spectacular views of the gorges valley
and then the main peaks are to be had
from here. Getting back to camp, the group
settles down to talk, play cards or tells
tales, before preparing super and going
to bed.

DAY
3.The
group wakes up at 6.00 AM, eats breakfast,
brings down the camp. It then leaves at
8.00 am towards the direction of the main
peaks ,i.e., heading Northwards and later
Southwards after going half way up a steep
hill ( Walking Northwards brings one at
SIMBA TARN).The group will rest at flat
spot , before heading to THE TOOTH COL.
From here, one can look down at Gallery
Tarn, The enchanted chain ,The Carr lake
,The two sisters seen clearly to the south
west . Here the group takes arrest and
some water before traversing the easy
moraine that ends at Australian heart
.On arrival, the group changes into warm
clothes, eats lunch and rests.
The guide depending on the weather takes
the clients on a guided tour of the area.
The CURLING POND to the North of the hurt
is quite a nice sport to go to . Going
to the LEWIS CAVE WHICH HAS beautifully
formed stalagmites and stalactites could
also make the groups day. Walking
over the range brings one at a vantage
point where one an clearly see the main
peaks.( BATIAN, NELION and pt. JOHN a
little lower. The LEWIS GLACIER can be
viewed vividly from here. Some clients
get scared however by the sight of the
graveyards strewn allover this area. The
group then gets back to the hut as this
place could get extremely cold. The members
can then relax while plying cards, talking
or tale  telling. Come dusk, the
group eats super and it is bedtime. However
one stay awake much longer.

DAY
4.The group wakes up at 4.30 am. And
takes breakfast. The guide, and may be
one of the porters start off for the summit
at around 5.00am.
This is a grueling trek as it is done
by dark, and here one requires good eyesight
and strong flashlight to penetrate the
dark or may be mist, which is common at
this hour. With good timing, tasking 45min.
hike brings the party to the summit (4985),
a few minutes before sunrise. Watching
sunrise is an experience one can relieve
in his/her mind for a lifetime.
If the climb is done by day, all rise
at 6.30am, eat breakfast and set off for
the summit, getting there after 50 minutes.
The clients may take pictures, take in
the beauty and start the walk downwards
the north and later the east, walking
cautiously to rejoin the rest of the group
at Mintos hut by 8.30am. The group
can drink some more tea to get warmed
up, and leave for Mt. Kenya self-service
Lodge, getting there before 1.00pm. The
group boards a car to Chogoria village
and on getting there, bid one another
goodbye and the clients get on with the
rest of their plans.
NB. Its not advisable to do this
excursion, unless you are adequately acclimatized,
you could develop high altitude related
sicknesses in gaining height so rapidly.

ITINERARY
3:CHOGORIA /CHOGORIA 5-DAY TREK:
INTRODUCTION:
This is a similar trek to the Chogoria
/Chogoria 4-day trek, the only difference
being that the first day is spent at the
park gate.Day 1:The
client/s, guide /s and potters meet at
Chogoria villages and make the necessary
preparations for the trip. The group then
leaves at 12.00 pm. For he Mt Kenya National
Park gate (Alt. 2950m).
Driving through the rain forest and the
bamboo forest posses natural beauties
like wild game , indigenous tree, shrubs,
wild flowers and birds. The group then
gets to the park gate before 3.00 pm.
And puts up camp. Parklands campsite by
the gate is ideal. The members eat lunch
and are taken on a guided tour of the
park gates precincts, then get back to
camp and relax to await dusk. Super is
prepared, eaten and the clients can have
a time on their own or with porters &
guides to take or play cards, then go
to bed.DAY 2:The
group wakes up at 6.00 am ,eats breakfast
and brings down camp. The porters, with
the guides supervision pack the
bags in the most appropriate way to suite
the trek. Departure for the road-head
is at 9.00am. The group then moves slowly
and steadily to come to the end of the
road(Alt. 3300m) before 12.00 noon. The
group sets up camp, eats lunch and can
walk down to the Upper Nithi Falls.
If the guide deems it necessary, he can
take the clients to the Mau Mau caves(
these were used as a hideout by the guys
who fought for Kenyas independence.)
A night can be spent at the caves however,
as the are warm and have a natural protection
against weather.
The group members get back to camp and
on to prepare super. After this, every
one goes to bed.DAY 3:The
group wakes up and eats breakfast, brings
down camp and are highlighted beforehand
by the guide on what is to be on this
day tense. The guide points out to the
group the various precautions to be taken
while on this trek. These include:

The
group then sets off at 8.00 Am. Slowly
but steadily doing the up hills, taking
occasional water breaks as advised by
the guide. The group hikes along and over
the northern side of the ridge overlooking
the gorges valley. A two- hour trek brings
the group to the viewpoint (Alt.4000m),
where the members take a littlest, eat
a light lunch and take pictures. The group
then sets off to tackle a rather steep,
winding and rocky part that brings the
group to flat stretch, with little up
hills to come to Mintos hut (4300m).
here the group puts up camp, changes into
warm clothes
and eat lunch. If the weather allows,
the clients can take on a guided tour
of the area and to the temple, a vertical
cliff that overlooks Lake Michaelson some
300m below. Spectacular views of the gorges
valley and the main peaks are to be had
from here. Getting back to camp, the group
settles down to talk, play cards or tell
tales, before preparing super and going
to bed.DAY 3:The
group wakes up at 6.00 am, takes breakfast
and brings down camp. It the n leaves
at 8.00 AM. Towards the direction of the
main peaks, i.e. heading westwards after
going up a steep hill to come to a flat
spot(walking farther northwards brings
one to SIMBA TARN- alt 4650m).
The group will rest here, then later take
the path to their left walking up[ a steep
scree-hill to come to another flat spot,
a few meters from the square Tarn. The
group rests here, while looking down onto
The Halls Fields, the
Temple Macmillan peaks. Hallies (Alt.
4720m). From here, one can look down to
Gallery Tarn, The Enchanted Lakes, The
Carr lakes and The Two sisters peaks can
be seen clearly to the southwest. Here
the group takes a rest and some water
before traversing the easy scree at the
head of Hobley Valley, to come to AUSTRIAN
HUT(4790M).
On arrival, the group changes into warm
clothes, eats lunch and rest. The guide
ca n, depending on the weather takes the
clients on a guided tour of the area.
The CURLING POND to the north of the hut
is quite a nice spot to go to. Going to
the LEWIS CAVE which has beautifully formed
stalagmites and stalactites could also
make the groups day.
Walking over the ridges brings one to
a vantage point where one can clearly
see the main peaks (BATIAN,
NELION) AND PT. JOHN a little lower. The
LEWIS GLACIER can be viewed vividly from
here. Some clients get scared however
by the sight of graveyards strewn all
over this area. The group then gets back
to the camp as this place could get extremely
cold. The members can then relax while
playing cards, talking, talking or telling
tales. However one can stay awake much
longerDAY 4:

The
group wakes u p at 4.30 AM. And takes
breakfast. The guide and may be one of
the porters start off for the summit at
around 5.00 am. This is a grueling trek
as it is done by dark, and here one requires
good eyesight and a strong flashlight
to penetrate the dark or may be mist,
which is common at this hour. With good
timing, a tasking 45- min. hike brings
the party to the summit of Pt. LENANA
(Alt.4985m) ,a few minutes before sunrise.
Watching sunrise is an experience one
can relieve in his/her mind for lifetime.
If the climb i8s done by day, all rise
at 6.30 am, eat breakfast and set off
for the summit, getting there after 50
minutes. The clients may take pictures,
take in the beauty and start the walk
down, towards the north and later the
east, walking cautiously, as this undertaking
can be risky if the track is covered with
snow, to rejoin the rest of the group
at Mintos hut by 8.30 am. The group
can drink some more tea to get warmed
up, and leave for Mt Kenya Self Service
Lodge, getting there before 1.00 pm. The
group boards a pre-arranged car to Chogoria
villages and on getting there bid one
another goodbye and the clients get on
with the rest of their plans.
CHOGORIA-CHOGORIA 7-DAY SUMMIT CIRCUIT
HIKE.

Day
1.The
client/s the guide/s cook/s and porters
meet at Chogoria villages and make necessary
preparations for the trip. The group then
boards the car/s and proceeds to the Mt.
Kenya National Parks gate (Alt.
2950m.) The drive through the rain and
the Bamboo forest is a beauty to behold,
with a variety wild game like Buffaloes,
elephants, antelopes, monkeys cats and
birds. Beautiful tree varieties and wild
flowers are also to be seen on this ride.
On getting to the park gate, the group
rests for a while, before putting up camp
and eating lunch.
The guide may then take them on a guided
tour of the precincts. A walk to the Northern
part of the area brings one to a vantage
point overlooking a pond where game like
to water and may be in luck to see a variety
of a game. Getting back to, the group
relaxes a while before preparing super
and retiring to bed.DAY 2.
The group wakes up at 6.30 am and takes
breakfast. It then brings down camp, and
gets ready to leave for Chogoria Rout
Road Head (3,300m). Before leaving the
guide highlights to the group on various
hiking ethics.

The
group the sets off following the track
down to a stream and later up a winding
track to get to the R/head before 12.00
noon. The members may then take a rest
before putting up a camp. The adventure
 seeking group may walk down to
some beautiful caves only 20 minutes walk
from the road head, and spend the night
there. After eating lunch, the clients
can walk down the NITHI FALLS, which slopes
down vertically, depicting quite a beautiful
scene and volcanic rock formations. The
breeze emanating from the falls is quite
soothing. The clients may take pictures
and take in the captivating beauty of
the site before going back to camp. One
is now free to do their own things, while
waiting dusk, cook super and go to bed.DAY 3
The group members wake up at 5.10 a.m.
and with the guides instructions,
walk to a point well placed to watch sunrise.
The members then eat breakfast, and bring
down camp. Preparations to leave the campsite
are done swiftly, such that the group
is ready to leave by 8.00 am. Due to the
fact that there is no water between here
and Mintos hut, clients are advised
to carry with them enough water to last
them up to the hut. Purifying water before
drinking is a precaution to be taken by
all clients, to prevent bacterial infections.
The group then sets off at a slow steady
pace, as pointed out by the guide. Water
breaks are taken out occasionally, after
30-45 mins. Intervals, to maintain an
appropriate body fluid balance. A two-hour
hike brings the group to a point called
V-point (Alt 4000m). From here, one can
see clearly the main peaks, the gorges
valley and lake Michaels/son, not mentioning
the tops of Mugi Hill and The Giants
Billiards Table, and the Lake Ellis to
the northeast.
Here, the group eats a light lunch, and
rests a while. One is advised to wear
windcheaters from this point on, as winds
blow hard, and could make one quite uncomfortable.
The climb from this point is rather tasking
and could require some excellent body
fitness. The path winds up beautiful landscapes
and moorland and large boulders, to open
onto halls fields. The group gets to Mintos
hut (Alt.4300), which is superbly situated
at these fields by
2.30 pm. Water is easily got from the
surrounding halls tarns. The group
then puts up camp, eats lunch and the
client can be taken to a rock over hang
(THE TEMPLE), which overlooks Lake Michaelson,
some sheer 300m below. Stroll with the
guide over the halls field s is also an
exciting experience. Getting back to camp,
the group members can relax, doing their
own things, till dusk, and then prepare
super and rest for a while or go to bed.DAY 4.
Every one wakes up at 6.00 am and eats
breakfast. Pulling down the tents should
not take more than 30 minutes. The members
then pack their bags and depart following
the clearly visible track that winds up
the mountainside, facing general direction
of the main peaks. A scramble up a rather
steep hill (30 minutes) opens to SIMBA
TARN. (Alt 4560m.) The group rests here
and can have a light lunch. Pillar &
the hut peaks, as well as the halls
field and the temple can be viewed well
from this point. The group then sets,
off going over the hill and comes to scree
that slopes down to KHAMI HUT (Alt.4439m)
with the fabulous beauty of MACKINDERS
valley lying below. On arrival at the
hut, the group members the group members
set up camp and eats lunch. They then,
can take a rest, move about and later
and later eat super and go to bed.DAY 5
The group wakes up at 6.00 am, eats breakfast
and brings down camp. This is quite a
spectacular trek in its own way as one
is exposed to the real beauty of the western
side of the mountain  the peaks
depict scenery that is so breath taking
that one could spend a whole day just
staring at the peaks. The North Face is
also a beauty on clear morning with peaks
SENDEYO and TERERI visible to the east.
The guide will then highlight the group
on how to go about this trek.
The group will set off at 8.30 am. And
take a path towards the west, dong yellow
scree slope to come to a ridge, and move
over a col HOUSBERG col- (alt 4591m) the
group can have a water break, and rest
while from here, one can see CEASER and
JOSEF glaciers, the HOUSBERG VALLEY and
the UTHURS SEAT to the south East
 wow! What a beauty? Ardor over
a scree brings one to OBLONG and HOUSEBERG
TARNS where the groups rests, and takes
in the beauty of the western face of the
mountain. The group can have a water break,
and see off again, avoiding the path to
the left. - It could be shorter but goes
up serious scree. Instead, take the right
one, and walk between the two tarns and
climb up scree to come to a col between
the highest point of ARTHURS SEAT
AND THE WESTERN TERMINAL (Athurs
seat is ridge extending westwards from
the main peaks, and ending abruptly at
a cliff-the western terminal.) The EMERALD
TARN can be seen from the col. the group
drops over the other side and of the col,
crossing large boulders, to come to NANYUKI
TARN. Keeping to the right, the going
up rocky terraces, the party teaches HURT
TURN (alt. 4490m). Pt. PIGGOT, MIDGETPEAK
and Pt. JOHN can be seen from here, with
the TYNDALL and DARWIN glaciers hanging
beautifully on the high peaks. DIAMOND
COULIER and GLACIER also can be seen.
The group now rests, viewing the scenery.
Drop over rather steep scree brings the
party to the AMERICAN CAMP and a further
walk towards the southwest drops to RANGERS
POST (alt.4250m), where group will camp
for the night. Water is available from
a stream flowing from TEREKI TARN. Alternatively,
the clients can spend the night as MACKINEDERS
CAMP at a fee.DAY 6.
The group wakes up at 6.00 am. Eats breakfast
and brings down camp. Everyone gets ready
for the trek, packing and all that. Departure
is at 8.30 am. A walk along the valley
side towards the East brings the group
to a stream. After crossing the stream,
the group now hits the head of the TEREKI
VALLEY, and starts up rather steep scree
slope, that winds up the hill to come
to AUSTRIAN HUT ( alt 4790m). On arrival
the group will put up the tents, and eat
lunch. After a rest the guide may take
the clients to the CURLING POND and LEWIS
CAVE, two beautiful features to the north
of the hut. The southern faces of the
Nelion and Batian can see clearly from
this point. Walking on the top of a ridge
near the curling pond, one can view tantalizing
beauty of LEWIS GLACIER and TEREKI VALLEY
spreading out to the southwest HOBLY VALLEY,
THE EVERGREEN BANKS OF Nyamindi and Nithi
rivers can be seen also from this area.
The group members may then get back to
camp, as temperatures here can go below
zero degrees centigrade. One is now free
to do his or her own things till dusk
whence super is eaten and its bedtime.DAY 7
All rise at at 4.30am as summiting is
to be done before daybreak. The guide
with the help of one or two porters leave
for the summit at around 5.00 am .If timing
is good, a tasking climb of about 50 min.brings
the group on the top of the third highest
peak on the mountain a few minutes before
sunrise. When doing the summit by day
the group leaves camp at around 8.00 am
and follows the south western ridge of
Pt. Lenana, to come to its summit after
50minutes.One can, on a clear day see
the vast expanse of Mt. Kenya Forest,
the bamboo belt and rice paddles of Mwea
to the southwest. One cannot miss to see
the beautiful peaks, Mackinders
valley and Timau villages to the north.
From the top the group may take the same
way back or scrambles down the northern
side of the peak. This can be tricky if
walking on snow. The clients rejoin the
porters just below samba tarn where they
all rest .The walk down to the park gate
will not be as tasking as the walk up.
So given a moderate mode of trekking gets
to there by 2.00 pm. Preparations are
made to board the cars down to Chogoria
villages, where the groups after bidding
each other bye, the clients get on with
their other plans.

ITENERARY:5CHOGORIA SIRIMON 7- DAY SUMMIT CIRCUIT
HIKE.

DAY 1.The
clients and the guides, cooks and porters
meet at Chogoria villages, and make the
necessary preparations for the trip.
The group then boards the car /s ,and
proceed to the Mt Kenya National Parks
gate (Alt. 32950m)
The driver thought the rain and the bamboo
forest is a beauty to behold with a variety
wild game like buffaloes, elephants, antelopes,
monkey, cats and birds. Beautiful tree
varieties and wild flowers are also to
be seen on this ride.
On getting to the park gate, the group
rests for a while, before putting up camp
and eating lunch.
The guide may then take on a guided tour
of the precincts. A walk to the northern
part of the area brings one to a vantage
point overlooking a pond where game like
to water, and may be in luck to see a
variety of a game. Getting back to camp,
the group relaxes a while before preparing
super, and resting to bed DAY 2:The
group wakes up at 6.30 am. And takes breakfast.
It then brings down the camp, and gets
ready to leave for Chogoria Route Road
Head(3300m)
Before leaving the guides highlights to
the group on various hiking ethics:

The
group then sets off following the track
down to a stream, and later up a winding
track to get to the road- head
Before 12.00 noon. The members may then
take a rest before putting up camp. An
adventure- seeking group may walk down
the NITHI FALLS, which slopes down vertically,
depicting quite a beautiful scene and
volcanic rock formations. The breeze emanating
from the falls is quite soothing. The
clients may take pictures and take in
the captivating beauty of the site be
fore going back to camp. One is now free
to do their own things awaiting dusk,
cook super and go to bed.DAY 3:The
group members wake up at 5.10 am. And
with the guides instructions, walk
to a point well placed to watch sunrise.
The members then eat breakfast ,and bring
down camp. Preparations to leave the campsite
are done swiftly, such that the group
is ready to leave by 8.00 am. Due to the
fact that there is no water between here
and Mintos hut. Purifying water
before drinking is a precaution to be
taken by all clients, to prevent bacteria
infections.
The group then sets off at a slow pace,
as pointed out by the guides. Water breaks
are taken occasionally, after 30-45 min.
intervals to maintain an appropriate body-
fluid balance. A two hike bring the group
to a point called view point (Alt.4000m).
From here , one can see clearly the main
peak the Gorges Valley and Lake Michaelson,
not mentioning the tops of mugi Hill and
the Giants Billiards, and Lake Ellis
to the northeast. Here
From here one can see clearly the main
peaks, the gorges valley and lake Michaelson,
not mentioning the tops of Mugi Hill and
The Giant Billiards Table, and lake Ellis
to the northeast. Here, the group eats
a light lunch, and rest a while.
One is advised to wear windbreakers from
this point on, as winds blow hard, and
could make one quite uncomfortable. The
climb from this point is rather tasking,
and could require some excellent body
fitness. The path winds up beautiful landscape
and moorland and large boulders, to open
onto Halls fields.
The group gets to Mintos hut (alt
4300m) which is superbly situated at these
fields by 2.30 pm. Water is easily got
from the surrounding Halls Tarns.
The group then puts up camp, eats lunch
and the clients can be taken to a rock
over hang(THE TEMPLE) ,which overlooks
Lake Michaelson some sheer 300m below
A stroll with the guide over The Halls
Fields is also an exciting experience
.Getting back to camp, the group members
c an rest a while or go to bed.DAY 4.:
All rise at 6.00 am ,eat breakfast and
bring down camp. The guide may then highlight
to the group on how this days trek
is to be done . Departure is at 8.00 am,
following the clear path that crosses
the HALLS FIELDS to come to some
rock boulders. The group takes a water
break and can rest little before going
on with the trek. After doing a stretch,
the group comes to the start of scree-slope
,which leads up westerly/come to turning
to the left. Awater break is to be taken
here. There is a steep climb done from
here, and this had better be taken cautiously.
Walking up the slope could take about
50 minutes, after which the group comes
to flat spot just by THE SQUARE TARN(
alt. 465m) .The group can take a rest
here, while viewing the beauty of the
HALLS FIELDS, THE HANGING TARN,
MACKMILAN PEAKS and the eastern slopes
of pt. LENANA.
A farther 40 minutes walk brings the party
to THE TOOTH COL (alt. 4720m). Again the
group rest here. HOBLEY VALLEY, THE TWO
SISTERS(peaks) ,THE CARR LAKE and TILMAN
PEAK can be seen clearly from here. Traversing
across the head of The Hobley valley this
can be tricky in misty weather the
group comes to AUSTRIAN HUT(ALT.4790M).The
party puts up camp, changes into warm
dry clothes , eats lunch and rest.
The guide will then take the clients around
the area, going to the scenic LEWIS CAVE
and GLACIER pts. .NELION and BATIAN can
be seen well from here. LEWIS GLACIER
spreads out beautifully to the north.
Getting back to camp, the members can
relax ,doing their own things till super
time. One may get to bed after eating
super.DAY 5:The
group members wake up at 4.30 am. If they
are to do the summit before dawn. The
clients, the guide and one of the porters
leave for pt. LENANA, along the southwest
ridge. This is a grueling trek that requires
good body physique , the end of which
opens to the summit of the third highest
peak on the mountain pt. Lenana (alt.
4985m) If doing the summit by day, everyone
wakes up at 6.00 am, and eats breakfast.
The guide will lead the clients to the
summit , to get there after about 50 minutes
.The clients may view the lower landscape,
take pictures and walk down to meet the
others (at Austrian Hut) . The group members
may take some more tea to warm up, and
then brings down camp. They then will
follow the hardily visible track over
a rocky stretch to come to a scree slope
. This goes down all the way to the head
of TELEKI VALLEY. One can however easily
pull a muscle walking down this slope,
so a slow steady pace is highly recommended.
The party now crosses a stream, and does
the easy walk to the Rangers Post (alt.
4250m). Here the group settles for the
night ,after putting up camp and may be
walking the grounds around here.DAY 6:All
rise at 6.30 am. And takes breakfast.
They then proceed to pull down the tents,
packing the bags and setting off at around
8.00 am. The group takes he path back
to a point below AMERICAN CAMP, where
they will turn to come to steep scree-
slope, just below THE HUT TARN. Doing
the slope will open to a flat plateau,
and the group may rest by the hut Tarn
(alt. 4490m) .One can clearly see the
MIDGET PEAK and pts. JOHN and PIGGOT,
not to mention the DIAMOND COULIER and
TYNDAL GLACIER that beckon to one on the
highs.
The group takes a northerly direction,
going over boulders bypassing NANYUKI
TARN, to the left and going past the EASTERN
TERMINAL to the right, and up a slope,
to come to a col between ARTHURS
SEAT and THE WESTERN TERMINAL. Looking
down the way they came the party can see
the EMERALD TARN quite well. A rest is
taken here, after which the group sets
off going the scree slope ,to come to
HAUSBERG and OBLONG tams. Another water
break is to be taken here.
The group does another scree slope that
brings one to the HAUSBERG COL (alt 4591m).
A rest is to be taken here, while viewing
the beautiful Hausberg Valley and the
western slope to get to Kami Hut ( alt.
4439 m),where they take a rest. One can
see Pts. SENDEYO and TERERI to the east
and GREGORY GLACIER to the south. The
group drops down a faint path to SHIPTONS
CAMP (alt. 4632m). After a rest, the group
follows Mackinders valley , keeping
the main liki stream to the left, bypassing
SHIPTONS CAVES ( good for bivouac),and
down to a point where another branches
to the right . Avoiding this path ( which
is longer , the more scenic), and walking
further the down group, now climbs a ridge,
on top of which, the party crosses liki
North stream.The group rests here, and
later on walks down the ridge, and contours
down through Moorland , to cross Ontulli
stream and walk farther on to join the
path from Liki North Hut, where, it rests.
The group now walks down easily pats three
forks, keeping to the left of each, to
come to junction that leads to Old Moses
Camp bunkhouses. A ten minute walk gets
the group to JUDMIER CAMP(alt 3340m),
where they will rest, put up camp and
eat lunch. Ever one rests till dusk and
eats super then goes to bed.

DAY
7:All
wake up at 6.30 am, eat breakfast and
pull down the tents. Departure for the
Sirimon gate is at 8.00 am. a walk past
heath land and later through a forest
(2 hours), brings the party to the gate,
where the group will board a pre-arranged
car, to Nanyuki town. The group members
bid each other bye and clients may go
on with their other plans.

ITINERARY
6:SIRIMON  CHOGORIA 6-DAY SUMMIT
CIRCUIT HIKE

DAY
1:

The
client/s and the guide meet at Nanyuki
town, and prepare to leave for the sirimon
gate. The drive from sirimon junction
(along Timau road) to Sirimon gate is
a nine kilometers drive through a dirt
road. The clients meet the porters at
the gate area, and prepare for the night.
The guide may however walk the clients
around the area.DAY 2:
The group wake up at 6.00 am, eat breakfast,
bring down camp and get ready to leave.
Note that this route offers the easiest
and fastest access to the northern sides
of the central peaks. The group follow
the park track through the rain forest,
that opens to heath land after a three
hours walk. Another 1 hour walk brings
the group close to a stream, by some concrete
blocks and an old barrier. On the left
is JUDMIER CAMP (alt. 3340m)
The camp is set at a flat area, between
large clamps of heather. The group members
can opt to go farther on to old Moses
bank houses, and spend the night there.
On getting to camp, the members settle
down, eat lunch and can walk the grounds
with guides. The evening is spent idly,
until super time when all will retire
to bed.
The summits of Batian and Nelion can be
seen from here, to the right of two other
peaks (Sendeyo & Tereri) that can
be mistaken for the former, when obscured
by clouds.DAY 3:
The group wakes up at 6.00 am, eats breakfast
and brings down camp. The guide highlights
to the group of the days undertakings
before setting off.
The group sets off following the track
and forks left at a junction, 0 minutes
after. The path to the right goes to Old
Moses Camp. Avoiding this path the group
keeps on and passes three forks keeping
to their right.
After one hour, the group gets to a stream,
crosses it and takes a water break. It
now moves on to reach a fork, straight
on leads to Liki North hut. Instead the
group takes the right and contours through
moorland, on a disused track for an hour,
the group gets to a stream, crosses it
and takes a water break. It now moves
on to reach a fork, straight on leads
to Liki North Hut. Instead, the group
takes the right and contours moorland,
on a disused track for an hour, and forks,
straight on leads to liki north Hut. Instead,
the group takes the right and contours
through moorland, on a disused truck track
for an hour, and forks left aiming uphill
towards a ridge. This should not take
the group more than 2 ½ hours from
Judmier Camp.
The group may rest here, while viewing
the scenery.
The group now drops to cross Liki North
River and goes up another ridge aiming
at a cairned platform on the ridge(4180),
Overlooking Mackinders valley. (another
one hour) .The group rests here , and
later on drops into the valley, and walks
to its left, gaining height gradually
and closer to the Liki River which is
to the right.
After a rest, the group moves to join
the Liki North hut path, continuing on
for another hour to the river, and come
to a flat grassy area, below small cliff
overhangs called SHIPTONS CAVE.
The group rest here and takes in the beauty
of the area. The group continues steeply
up the valley side, keeping to the right
of the caves, to come to easier ground,
where SHIPTONS CAMP is (alt. 4230m)
The group rests, puts up camp and may
eat lunch . Water is got from a steam
nearby. There is also a pit toilet here.
Five minutes up the path is the SHIPTONS
CAMP BANK HOUSES.
The party may walk the grounds with the
guide, and get back to camp, to await
dusk, eat super and retire to bed.DAY 4:The
group members wake up at 6.00 am. And
eat breakfast. The then pull down their
tents, and get ready to leave. Departure
is at 7.30 am, since this is going to
be a long trek. The clients are again
reminded to carry enough water to last
them to the end of this days trek.
This could take more than 7 hours .
The group sets off following the faint
path leading steeply up the valley side,
to the southwest, aiming for a ridge-
crest to the right(north) of the main
peaks. The group takes a rest after getting
to KAMI HUT (alt. 4439). Afterwards, the
party continues up yellow scree to get
to HAUSBERG VALLEY and the ARTHURS SEAT
to the southeast  WOW! What
a beauty
A drop over a scree brings the party to
OBLONG and HAUSBERG TARNS where the group
rests, and takes in the beauty of the
western face of the mountain. The group
can have a water break, and set off again,
avoiding the path to the left it
could be shorter but goes steeply up serious
scree. Instead, take the right one, and
walk between the two tarns and climb up
a scree to come to a col between the highest
point of ARTHURS SEAT and THE WESTERN
TERMINAL (Arthurs seat is a ridge
extending Westwards from the main peaks,
and ending abruptly at a cliff 
the western Terminal)
The EMERALD TARN can be seen from the
col, crossing large boulders to come to
Nanyuki TARN. Keeping to the right, and
going up rocky terraces, the party reaches
HUT TARN (alt.4490m) Pt. PIGGOT . MIDGET
PEAK and Pt. JOHN can be seen from here.
with the TYNDALL and DARWIN glaciers hanging
beautifully on the high peaks. DIAMOND
COULIER and Glacier also can be seen .The
group now rests while reviewing the scenery.
drop over rather steep scree brings the
party to the AMERICAN CAMP and a further
walk towards the southwest drop to RANGERS
POST ( alt.4250m) , where the group will
camp for the night.
Water is available from a steam flowing
from TREK tarn. alternatively ,the clients
can spend the night at MACKINDERS
CAMP at a fee.

DAY
5.The group wakes up at 6.00 am eats
break fast and brings down camp. Everyone
gets ready for the trek, packing and all
that. Departure is at 8.30 am A walk along
the valley side and towards the east brings
the group to a stream.
After crossing the stream, the group now
hits the head of TEREKI VALLEY, and starts
up rather steep scree slope, thats
winds up the hill to come to AUSTRALIAN
HUT (alt.4790m) On arrival, the group
will put up the tents , and eat lunch,
after a rest, the guide may take the clients
to the CURLING POND and LEWIS CAVE, two
beautiful features to the north of the
hut . The southern faces of Nelion and
Batian can seen be clearly from this point
.Walking on the top of a ridge near the
curling pond, one can view the tantalizing
beauty of LEWIS GLACIER and TEREKI VALLEY
spreading to the south west. HOBLEY VALLEY,
the evergreen banks of Nyamindi and Nithi
rivers can be seen also from this area.
The group members may then get back to
camp, as temperatures here can go low
below zero degrees centigrade. One is
now free to do his or her own things,
till dusk whence super is eaten and its
bedtime.

DAY
6:All
rise at 4.30 am. If summating is to be
done before daybreak. The guide, with
the help of one or two porters leave for
the summit at around 5.00 am. I f timing
is good, a tasking climb of about 50 min.
brings the group on top of the third highest
peak on he mountain, a few minutes before
sunrise. When doing the summit by day,
the group leaves camp at around 8.00 am.
And follows the southwestern ridge of
Pt. Lenana, to come to its summit after
50 minutes.
One can, on a clear day see the vast expanses
of Mt. Kenya Forest, THE BAMBOO BELT AND
RICE PADDLES OF Mwea to the southwest.
One cannot miss to see the beautiful peaks
Mackinderss valley and Timau villages
to the north. From the top, the group
may take the same way back, or scrambles
down the northern side of the peak, this
can be tricky if walking on snow. The
clients rejoin the porters just below
Simba Tarn, where they all rest. The walk
down to the park gate will not be as tasking
as the walk up, so given a moderate mode
of trekking, the gets to there by 2.00
pm.
Preparations are made to board the car/s
down to Chogoria village, where the groups
after bidding each other bye, the clients
get on with their other plans.
Note: The hike from JUDMIER CAMP to SHIPTONS
CAMP can be done over a two day trek,
by taking the path to LIKI NORTH HUT.
This is more scenic, with features like
the BURROW to see. This however makes
it 7-day hike with the extra night being
spent at the Liki North Hut (alt.3993m)

ITINERARY
7
CHOGORIA-NAROMORU 6-DAY TREK.

DAY 1The
client/s guide and porters meet at Chogoria
villages and get ready to leave for the
park gate. Preparation here includes shopping
(buying all the supplies that the group
will require for the trek) and may be
getting acquitted to each other. The party
then boards a car (4- wheel drive) and
departs for the park gate. This drive
up beautiful rain forest
And later bamboo belt is quite enjoyable
a variety of game like elephants, buffaloes,
dears, monkeys, leopards and birds are
to be seen. The rain forest has a great
number of flowers and an assortment of
tree types that would appeal to the party.
The drive up to the gate takes about 2
½ to 3 hours depending on the weather.
On getting to the gate, the party will
rest a little and eat lunch, and then
set up their tent/s.after lunch, the guide
will take the clients for a walk around
the precincts. A walk that is worth taking
since there is a lot to be seen around
here. Walk to northern side of Mt. Kenya,
lodge brings one to a point where one
can look down to a watering pond that
is a favorite to a variety of game. The
Parklands area is also beauty, and appeals
to most clients. The party on getting
back, to the camp can relax while doing
their own things till super time and later
go to bed.DAY 2
The group rise at 6.00 am and eat breakfast.
The members then bring down the camp and
set off for Chogoria route road head.
First walking northwards to come to a
trail that veers off the main track to
the left. The group will take this and
sneak their way through high tussock grass
to come to a stream-KANITHI. On crossing
it, the party will take water break, while
viewing the landscape there is a lot to
see here and the party may be in luck
to see antelopes, buffaloes, bushbucks,
leopards, reedbucks or even elephants.
The party set off again facing the direction
of the main peaks, and through the faint
trails to come to a cider forest. A water
break is to be taken here in a natural
cool shade that would be good feeling
to the clients. The party sets again and
a 20 minutes trek brings them to a URMANDI
HUT (alt.3000m.) The group takes water
break here. In good weather the guides
may take the clients down to the cave
an experience that could be quite pleasing.
Urumandi is a kimeru name, for a point
where water flows below a natural bridge.
After the adventure, the group sets off
again, doing several small up hills and
coming to a waterfall upper nithi
Falls. The guide will take the party down
a steep gully to the base of the waterfall.
The clients may take pictures and view
the beauty. Before getting backup. A rest
is taken while the guide decides whether
to take party to the road or to the Mau
Mau caves. The later would be more appealing
as the caves are natural, warm and shielded
from winds. Water is easily got from the
stream. The group rests while setting
up camp and later eats lunch.
Afterwards one may walk around the area
taking care not to stray far off. Most
of the group members prefer to pray cards
to while away till dusk eat super and
retire to bed.

DAY
3
All rises at 6.00 am and eat breakfast.
Those interested in watching sunrise,
need however to rise earlier say at around
5.30 am .The group members then bring
down the tents and get ready to set off.
Departure of which is at 7.30 am the party
will take the path that it used the previous
day. And branch off to take a steep gradient
to the left. Leaving the trail to the
road head. It will walk to the top of
the hill, and walk to the top of the hill
and walk on an easy flat stretch to meet
the main trail to mintos hut.
A water break is taken here, while the
clients take in the beauty of the place.
The sharp pointed Mugi Hill, the flat
topped Giants Billiards Table and
Ithangune hills can be seen clearly from
this point.
After a rest the party sets off following
the clearly visible track, adapting a
slow steady pace, taking frequent water
breaks to get to the view pint by 12.00
pm here the group members will take a
lunch break, take a few pictures and drink
in the beauty of the place. Lake Ellis
can be seen clearly to the northeast.
The main peaks are also visible on a clear
sky, with lake Mchaelson at the bottom
of The Gorges Valley and The Temple hanging
above it.
The group now sets off facing the general
direction of the main peaks first doing
a gently slope, and later a long steep
climb winding through boulders. This up
hill ends abruptly at a flat stretch.
One can look down onto lake Michaelson
below. And the Mackimilan peaks to the
southwest. After a water break, the group
follows the now clearer trail. Over a
flat stretch. And later down to a stream
and cliff. After going over this cliff,
the walk is now easier. Doing small up
hills to come Mintos hut (alt. 4297m).
The party takes a rest, eats lunch, and
sets up camp.
Depending on the weather, the guide may
take the clients on a guided walk of the
area going to The Temple and The Halls
Fields, and The Halls hut Tarns.
The groups members may rest doing their
own things till dusk, eat super and go
to bed.DAY 4:All
rise at 6.30 am. And eat breakfast.
The group members then bring down the
camp and get ready to leave for Austrian
Hut. This days trek will be shorter
than the previous day in that there is
a gradual gain in altitude in a short
distance about 4 hours trek. The clients
are hereby advised to take the climb at
a low steady pace, as rushing may cause
one to develop high altitude sicknesses.
The group starts off following the clearly
visible track, cutting through The Halls
Fields, and crossing some streams to come
to section with boulders. The group rests
here, while drinking water. The Temple
and The Gorges Valley can be seen clearly
from here.
Spectacular features on the lower eastern
parts of the mountain can also be seen.
The party moves on facing the main peaks
and gets to junction where they take the
trail to the left. A water break is to
be taken here.
This part is harder and practically cuts
steeply up the hill. A tasking climb brings
the group to flat spot, where the members
take a water break. The Tooth can be seen
to southwest. After the break, the party
now cuts along fairly steep stretch bypassing
The Square Tarn on the right and climb
over The Tooth Col) alt. 4720m).
After a short break on the col, the party
descend bit, and traverses to Austrian
Hut following the poles positioned along
the track. One can get lost here easily
on a cloudy weather.
The party on getting to Austrian Hut (alt.4790m)
sets up camp and eats lunch. After a rest,
the guide may take the clients to pt.
Lenana (alt.4985m) if weather is good.
On getting back to camp, the group members
may relax doing their own things till
dusk.DAY 5:The
group wakes up at 6.00 am. and eats breakfast.
However those interested in watching sunrise
will have to wake up earlier in order
to get a top pt. Lenana (alt.4985m) before
the sun comes up. The guide will do the
timing such that the group is at the summit
in good time to watch sunrise. The climb
has to be done cautiously taking care
not to slip. Many have lost their lives
while trying this peak.
The walk down can be tricky altogether
and needs to be handled with much greater
care. On reaching camp, the party may
drink some tea to warm up bring down the
tent/s. after this the party backpacks
and sets off walking over a rocky flat
area and comes to the head of the hill
overlooking Tereki Valley. The walk down
is tricky as one may slip easily on the
scree that is ever present here.
The party after going down the slope now
passes by The Rangers Post to the
left and later Mackinders Camp alt.
4250m) The party walks on down the fairly
steep v alley keeping by the river to
cross it later and walk along the right
side of the valley.
A further walk brings the party to lunch
point, marked by a large rock. Here the
group takes a water break and may eat
lunch before setting off. The walk further
on gets steeper and boggy. The Vertical
Bog begins here, and could prove a bit
difficult. The group walks further down
and through shrubbery to get to the Police
Signal Station (alt. 3150m) bypass it
on the right and walk on taking regular
water breaks to get to Metrological station
(alt. 3050m) by 3.00 pm.
After a rest, the party sets up camp and
eats lunch. One may relax doing his own
things till dusk. When super is eaten
and retire to bed or hang on as one can.DAY 6:The
group wakes up at 6.30 am. eats breakfast
and brings down camp. Back packing should
not take more than 30 minutes. The group
sets off before 8.00 am. Walking through
the ram forest, with pat chess of bamboo
to be seen here and there. One may be
lucky to see the ever present Sykes
monkeys, antelopes, elephants and even
leopards.
A slow steady mode of walking will get
the party at the Naro Moru park gate before
12.00 noon. Here the party rests. One
may take a shower in he bathrooms here.
Soft drinks are also offered.
The group later transfers to a car/s and
drive through the villages to get to NaruMoru
town. Upon getting here, the party bids
each other good-bye. Exchange pleasantries
and the clients move on with their other
plans. The guide and porter/s board a
matatu back to Chogoria.
END.